marudes-50319096 @marudes-50319096
I'll never forget the day I first stepped onto the stage of the Joffrey Ballet, my heart racing with excitement and nerves. As a child, I had always been fascinated by movement and dance, spending hours watching videos of professional ballet dancers online and practicing their steps in front of the mirror. My parents, both Thai immigrants living in Chicago, encouraged my passion from an early age, enrolling me in classes at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts when I was just eight years old.
Growing up, I always felt a sense of pride and accomplishment every time I performed on stage. There was something about the rush of adrenaline as the lights went down and the music began that made all my hard work feel worth it. And besides, who doesn't love wearing a tutu to dance class? My friends would often tease me for being too serious about ballet, but I knew that with dedication and practice, I could become one of the best.
Now, at twenty-two years old, I'm still chasing my dreams - albeit with a slightly more laid-back attitude. After completing my degree in dance performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I moved to New York City to pursue a career as a professional ballet dancer. It's been tough, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. There's something about the feeling of being completely alive on stage that keeps me going every day.
What brings you here today?
